A WIC nutritionist just called requesting information for a very
unusual situation.  She has not spoken to the mother directly yet.

This mother had surgery last year to have a brain tumor removed.
She delivered a healthy, full-term baby within the last month and
breastfeeding is going well.  The doctor is concerned with mom's
prolactin levels.  He wants to keep the prolactin levels under
100ng/ml and is asking mother to wean.

I have shared the info from Ruth Lawrence, 4th ed. Breastfeeding:
A guide for the medical profession, pp62-72.  I highlighted page 65
that charts the decrease in prolactin levels after 10 days.  Also
noted are the many activities that can increase prolactin levels, like
sleep, stress and sexual activity.

Can someone please explain the relationship between prolactin and
growth of a brain tumor?  Is weaning the only alternative?  Since
the nutritionist had not spoken to the mother directly yet, it occurs
to me that the doctor could also be concerned with beginning other
treatments and has other reasons for wanting mom to wean.

Any information you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

Jeanne Fisher
Austin, TX